A few years ago I was inspired to work on an image inspired by my experience of barriers. Considering the real world barriers of walls and other physical dividers. My experiences of trying to navigate the unclear terrain of cultural barriers. Plus the unseen obstacles of emotional barriers.
All these ideas were considered when approaching the creation of the “Barriers” linocut prints. Concepts which I drew upon from my own lived experiences.
“Barriers”, linocut print, black ink on paper. Sheet: 6.5 x 9.75 inches; Impression: 4 x 7.25 inches. 2020.
This piece meant a lot to me when creating. Drawing out the image, carving out the lino block, and printing each edition by hand. It was meditative work.
Once completed, I was not ready to reveal the work to the public because the feelings that went into the art still felt fresh and vulnerable.
During the height of anxieties felt by Black people watching as lives were snuffed out and the challenges of Black existence were being made more apparent to others, what should I come across? After years packed away I found these prints and they resonated so deeply that I had to readdress this work.
So I gave these pieces my attention and care.
What I created is a limited edition of 8 black ink prints titled “Barriers”.
Plus, 8 mono prints, such as "Barriers: Variation 1". The mono prints were created using the base image of the black ink relief print with a unique hand-applied colour application of colour pencil or watercolour.
“Barriers: Variation 1”, mono print, black ink and pencil crayon on paper. Sheet: 6.5 x 9.75 inches; Impression 4 x 7.25 inches. 2020.
Because of the gravity of feeling that went into this artwork and coming back to these prints at such a very important time in the Black Lives Matter movement it feels right to acknowledge that more work needs to be done to remove barriers for Black people.
For this reason I will be donating 20% from each piece sold to the Toronto-based organization Black Women in Motion. The “Barriers” linocut prints and mono prints will be available for $60 on June 30, 2020 in my shop.
Black Women in Motion is one of the only organizations in Canada that supports and advocates for Black survivors of gender-based violence. They are doing necessary work to provide mental health education, consent education and resources to support Black womxn, femmes and non-binary people. I recommend you read more on their website.